Components +1,+2,+3

B-ridge · Feb 28, 2016

Cool. Got it. So should I mix salinity higher to raise salinity in my tank or just do it normally and no matter what during water changes it will rise?

BfishLpond78 · Feb 28, 2016

B-ridge said:
Cool. Got it. So should I mix salinity higher to raise salinity in my tank or just do it normally and no matter what during water changes it will rise?

Sorry for the late reply. I would start mixing your water change water to your target salinity. Once you get closer to your target number you may add a little bit extra to bridge the gap. But i'm sure you'll get to the correct number soon using the correct salinity number

B-ridge · Feb 28, 2016

Thanks for all your help.
1 last question(lol) can I use bio s in conjunction with pro bio s and -np pro?
I know bio s is used for start up. I'm using it for the bacteria and basically wanna "clean" my system. I'm even debating on starting the -np pro until my phosohate minus gets here
What do you think? I know. I have a lot going on

Tweaked · Feb 29, 2016

BfishLpond78 said:
Correct me if I'm wrong but that low of Alk should only be used for ULNS tanks. I think a safe middle of the road number for someone starting out and correcting parameters should be around 7.8-8.4. This will provide some wiggle room as tank stabilizes.

Only be used? No this is natural numbers where all coral comes from. There are just many ways to reach a healthy reef and AF salt ranges 7-8 typically. I personally chose 7.5 as my target number and has been doing well for me. For the past few years I shot for 8.1 btw.

Tweaked · Feb 29, 2016

B-ridge said:
Thanks for all your help.
1 last question(lol) can I use bio s in conjunction with pro bio s and -np pro?
I know bio s is used for start up. I'm using it for the bacteria and basically wanna "clean" my system. I'm even debating on starting the -np pro until my phosohate minus gets here
What do you think? I know. I have a lot going on

Bio S helps in denitrification and lowering ammonia. What are your test results?

Pro Bios and NP Pro should be used together. Additionally, AF recommends starting with half the dosages and observe/test.

BfishLpond78 · Feb 29, 2016

Tweaked said:
Only be used? No this is natural numbers where all coral comes from. There are just many ways to reach a healthy reef and AF salt ranges 7-8 typically. I personally chose 7.5 as my target number and has been doing well for me. For the past few years I shot for 8.1 btw.

Most of what I read when dealing with true ULNS systems is that their ALK is usually pretty low to match the system of strip and feed. Where as tanks with higher nutrients are able to survive on higher ALK content.

Tweaked · Feb 29, 2016

BfishLpond78 said:
Most of what I read when dealing with true ULNS systems is that their ALK is usually pretty low to match the system of strip and feed. Where as tanks with higher nutrients are able to survive on higher ALK content.

That is true, but Low nutrients is just mimicking natural sea water, and so it is recommended to match alk just the same.

B-ridge · Feb 29, 2016

So when I start the pro bio s and the np pro in 2 weeks I should start at half dosage? Haven't read that anywhere

Tweaked · Mar 1, 2016

B-ridge said:
So when I start the pro bio s and the np pro in 2 weeks I should start at half dosage? Haven't read that anywhere

AF recommends this in their responses to anyone starting the program. Can be read on RC.

Aquaforest · Mar 3, 2016

B-ridge said:
So when I start the pro bio s and the np pro in 2 weeks I should start at half dosage? Haven't read that anywhere

What is Your PO4 and NO3 levels?

For start You Can use half dose.

B-ridge · Mar 3, 2016

No3-40-60ppm
Po4-1.23
So I start with a dosage of half. 5 drops and gradually increase in how much time?
Will be using phosohate minus also so how much should I start off with with a 300 gallon total water volume?

Aquaforest · Mar 4, 2016

Try to rise Pro Bio S after week.
You Can Use 1000ml Phosphate Minus to reduce Your PO4.

B-ridge · Mar 5, 2016

Now with respect to your brand of phosphate removal called phosphate minus how does it compare to say high capacity gfo or rowaphos? Is it as strong? Last longer? Can absorb more? Etc, etc.
Rule of thumb is supposovely 1 gram for every gallon of water. So in my case I would need 300 grams. Should I just use 150 grams and gradually replace every 2 weeks and increase until I get to the 300 grams?

SewerynAquaforest · Mar 5, 2016

B-ridge said:
Salinity is currently at 1.018. I'm testing with a instant ocean hydrometer. I know I should be testing with a refractometer. I'm actually looking for one. I like the one in the aquaforest video with him mixing the salt that he puts the refractometer into the water and it automatically tells you the salinity. Have to find out what kind that is and where to get it from. Going to test alk right now

It is Atago refractometer. One of few on the market that is really for the sea water not for salt water (for food industry )... the right salanity it is a most important factor in our hobby. It necessary to have the right tools to mesure it.